Steelers defense eerily similar to greats from ’70s

Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount.’ These four players were the cornerstones of… Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount.’ These four players were the cornerstones of the feared Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s.. They led the Steelers to four Super Bowls and are regarded as one of the greatest units in NFL history. Thirty years later, another group of Steelers are following in their footsteps. The differences between the Steel Curtain and the 2008 defense are vast. The Steel Curtain used four down linemen, whereas the 2008 Steelers only have three. The Steel Curtain line was relied on to generate pressure in the backfield and sack the quarterback. Now, unlike their 1970s counterparts, the defensive line is not relied on to attack the backfield, and the linebackers have become the focal point in the Steelers defense. Instead, the linemen control the line of scrimmage and open up lanes for other players to blitz through. This indicates how the NFL has changed. During the 1970s, offenses used very basic formations. In 2008, teams could see 15 different formations in the first few minutes of the game.’ Adjusting and confusing the offense has become extremely important, and no one has done it better than defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. The 71-year-old coach can be credited for much of the Steelers’ success this season. His exotic schemes and blitzes enabled Pittsburgh to stifle opposing offenses and allowed its talented linebackers to flourish. The most notable have been James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. The duo combined for 27.5 sacks during the season, more than any other combo in Steelers history. Harrison, who was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, wreaked havoc among quarterbacks and forced a league-high seven fumbles. In comparison to Ham or Lambert, Harrison is much more dynamic. Ham and Lambert could cover and stop the run but were not needed to attack the quarterback, only amassing a combined 48.5 sacks in their careers. Harrison is good in coverage, can stop running plays and also finished fourth in the league with 16 sacks. The versatility he brings to the table is vital to the defense, and with Woodley blitzing from the other side, the Steelers have frustrated many offensive lines and quarterbacks. In the secondary, it would be difficult to find many better than Mel Blount in the original Steel Curtain. He had size, speed and strength that allowed him to be physical with receivers and cover them effectively. He finished his career with 57 interceptions and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989. The obvious comparison to Blount is Troy Polamalu. Just like Blount, the five-time Pro Bowler possesses all of the physical and athletic tools needed to play in the secondary. Both could change the course of a game with their play-making ability, and both were important parts of their defenses. Polamalu’s presence is vital for Pittsburgh and is used in run and pass coverage in seemingly any situation. Regardless of the era, the philosophy of the Steelers remains the same: Defense wins championships. The mantra remains just as true now as it was 30 years ago, and in Tampa on Sunday, this ‘new’ Steel Curtain has a chance to prove it again.